So, you're into MMO games, those giant online playgrounds where you can hang with millions of other players? Good news: there are some seriously awesome ones out there. Let's take a tour of the best of the best.
World of Warcraft
Since its launch in 2004, World of Warcraft (WoW) has been a cornerstone of the MMO genre. Think big battles, a wide array of characters and an ever-growing world. With the latest expansion The War Within, 2024 brings fresh content like new zones, mini-raids, and four expansive areas to explore. WoW keeps evolving, drawing in both loyal players and new adventurers.
Final Fantasy XIV
Despite a rocky start in 2010, Final Fantasy XIV has made one heck of a comeback and has become a fan favourite. The Dawntrail expansion in July 2024 introduced new raids, adventures and a graphics overhaul, solidifying its position as a leader in story-rich MMOs (although some players say it wasn't quite as outstanding as they hoped.
The Elder Scrolls Online
Fans of the Elder Scrolls series will love exploring Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online. It takes the best bits of the single-player games and levels up to MMO scale. In 2024, the game celebrated its 10th anniversary with new dungeons, events and a major expansion. The ongoing updates ensure that ESO remains one of the most immersive MMOs available.
Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 flips the script on traditional MMO gameplay. Known for its dynamic events, Guild Wars 2 stays fresh with its fifth expansion, Janthir Wilds. The addition of new PvP modes and expansive world-building makes Guild Wars 2 a standout MMO.
EVE Online
For players who love strategy and a player-driven economy, EVE Online continues to be a must-play. Known for its space exploration and massive player battles, EVE Online is still going strong, with updates enhancing its complex and engaging universe.
Lord of the Rings Online
Fans of Tolkien, this one is for you! Lord of The Rings Online lets you live out your Middle-Earth fantasies. Fight epic battles, explore iconic locations from the books and interact with famous characters. The roadmap for 2024 included new zones, a raid and the long-awaited kinship (guild) system refresh. It’s an exciting year for Tolkien fans.
Black Desert Online
Lastly, we've got Black Desert Online, This game stands out for its slick combat system and stunning open world. But the real kicker is its detailed character-creation tool. You can spend hours getting your character just right. The 2024 updates bring more content to keep players engaged, with seasonal events and crossover partnerships.
